And why your bosses are powerless to stop you
- Some remote parts of Australia are tipped to reach an uncomfortable 46C (115F)
- Workers are within their rights to stop working if the mercury exceeds 35C (95F)
- Employers must provide water and look to reduce physical activity if possible
Australian tradesmen are being encouraged to take the rest of the week off work as a scorching heatwave hits the country.
New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory all experienced severely hot temperatures last week.
Despite a cool change over the weekend offering brief respite, the mercury is set to be turned up again, with highs of up to a roasting 46C (115F).
Tradies across Australia are encouraged to take the rest of the working week off as a heatwave approaches (stock image)
The extreme temperatures are expected to last until Australia Day on Saturday.
Workers have been advised they are within their rights to stop working if the mercury reaches 35C (95F) – and bosses are powerless to stop them.
The nationwide Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) is telling its 100,00 plus members to avoid working in ‘dangerous’ heat.
‘Once the temperature reaches 35C (95) or a humidity level above 75 per cent, there will be an orderly cessation of work and preparations for safe completions of critical tasks currently underway,’ a guide produced by the union reads.
‘Work should be programmed in such a way as to reduce the risk of heat stress.
‘Sufficient numbers of workers should be engaged to allow rotation of workers in periods of heat.’
Employers will also be required to provide easy access to cool drinking water for workers, and to reduce physical activity where possible.
Australia’s beaches are set to humming this week ahead of the expected heatwave across the nation (pictured)
Bondi Beach is sure to attract thousands of beach goers the next few days due to Sydney’s heatwave (stock image)
‘In addition, rest breaks [to be provided] as needed by an individual. Individuals should not be discouraged from taking needed rest breaks,’ the CFMEU guide said.
‘Is it expected mandated breaks of ”smoko” and lunch be adhered to.’
An OHS Reps guide to working in the heat advises workers that employers are ‘expected to prevent your workplace being uncomfortably hot’.
‘Your employer has a duty of care under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004) to provide a healthy and safe workplace,’ the guide reads.
’35C (95F) to 40C (104F) is considered to be the ‘limit of high temperature tolerance’ for most people.’
Conversations and discussions are being held on the C-VINE News Talk – Facebook Group Page. (Must be a Facebook member): C-VINE News Talk